A slight stir was beginning to be felt throughout the
ballroom. The royal guest was retiring, and soon the rest began to melt
away. The Anstruthers, who had a long return drive before them, were
among those who went first.
When Lady Anstruthers and her sister returned from the cloak room, they
found Sir Nigel standing near Mount Dunstan, who was going also, and
talking to him in an amiably detached manner. Mount Dunstan, himself,
did not look amiable, or seem to be saying much, but Sir Nigel showed no
signs of being disturbed.
"Now that you have ceased to forswear the world," he said as his wife
approached, "I hope we shall see you at Stornham. Your visits must not
cease because we cannot offer you G. Selden any longer."
He had his own reasons for giving the invitation--several of them. And
there was a satisfaction in letting the fellow know, casually, that he
was not in the ridiculous position of being unaware of what had
occurred during his absence--that there had been visits--and also the
objectionable episode of the American bounder. That the episode had been
objectionable, he knew he had adroitly conveyed by mere tone and manner.
Mount Dunstan thanked him in the usual formula, and then spoke to Betty.
Pages:
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610